Dear Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez:

I am writing out of deep disappointment and genuine concern. Your vote to denounce “the horrors of socialism” reflects a one-sided narrative—one missing the historical truth, the human story, and the compassion required of anyone entrusted to serve our communities.

Socialism is not the villain that political fear mongering makes it out to be. It is not the toxic force you implied with your vote. I ask with sincerity: Have you studied the history of socialism beyond Cold War rhetoric? Have you read the scholarship, attended academic discussions, or listened to the voices of democratic socialists who fight every day for justice, dignity, and economic fairness? American democratic socialism is rooted in compassion and community—not authoritarianism.

American socialism is not old-world European socialism. Its foundation is simple: everyday people deserve healthcare, education, fair wages, safe workplaces, and protections from corporate exploitation. Our libraries—public, free, and accessible—exist because of socialist principles. Every library card is a reminder that shared resources strengthen democracy.

Hospitals, public roads, firefighters, public schools, first responders—these essential institutions function because we believe in collective responsibility. If socialism is “horrors,” then so is every public service that holds our society together.

Your vote suggests a rejection of these values. It aligns you with the very MAGA politicians who deny care, deny science, and deny working-class people the dignity they deserve. Washington’s cost of living is out of control. Families are struggling. Deaf people, disabled people, marginalized communities—people like me—are fighting for economic justice, accessible healthcare, interpreter access, housing stability, and basic services. They need your compassion, not your alignment with billionaire-driven narratives.

I expected more from someone representing Washingtonians. People must come before profit. Empathy must come before fear. Understanding must come before political convenience.

With this vote, you turned away from the values the Democratic Party claims to stand for—and from the people who believed in you.

I hope you reflect on this decision with humility and with heart. History deserves more accuracy. Your constituents deserve more courage. And Washington deserves a leader who chooses people over political pressure.

Sincerely,

-Jason "JT" Tozier